About the Baroque Rome: The Age of Bernini Walk in Rome
From the mid-17th century, the blossoming of Baroque art and architecture in Rome transformed the nature of the city. Used as a tool of the Counter-Reformation, the style often emphasizes the splendor and theatricality of the church. Normally led by a historian, architect, or art historian, we will focus on the art and architecture of Bernini, Borromini, and their contemporaries.
We start on via del Quirinale, a street packed with some of the best examples of baroque architecture in Rome. Our first stop, We'll also be able to clearly see how the city has developed, as urban construction has transformed this into an area bustling with activity. Sant' Andrea al Quirinale, by Bernini, enforces his genius for making the most a small space and integrating painting, sculpture, and architecture. Our next visit to the church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane provides a great contrast in style, as it was designed by Bernini's chief rival, Borromini. This small church is one of the most uniqu
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From the mid-17th century, the blossoming of Baroque art and architecture in Rome transformed the nature of the city. Used as a tool of the Counter-Reformation, the style often emphasizes the splendor and theatricality of the church. Normally led by a historian, architect, or art historian, we will focus on the art and architecture of Bernini, Borromini, and their contemporaries.
We start on via del Quirinale, a street packed with some of the best examples of baroque architecture in Rome. Our first stop, We'll also be able to clearly see how the city has developed, as urban construction has transformed this into an area bustling with activity. Sant' Andrea al Quirinale, by Bernini, enforces his genius for making the most a small space and integrating painting, sculpture, and architecture. Our next visit to the church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane provides a great contrast in style, as it was designed by Bernini's chief rival, Borromini. This small church is one of the most unique architectural spaces in Rome (never have geometric shapes been used to such ingenious effect as in the dome!). A stop at Santa Maria della Vittoria brings us to Bernini's masterpiece, The Ecstasy of St. Teresa. A revolution in combining elements of sculpture and architecture, the piece is one of the most moving in all of art history.
We end our walk at the Palazzo Barberini, built for the most extravagant of Baroque popes, Urban VIII. Bernini and Borromini both contributed to the architecture of the palace, but the real treasure lies inside, where Pietro da Cortona painted his masterful ceiling fresco, The Triumph of Divine Providence. Meant to glorify Pope Urban's family, the Barberini, its use of illusionism exemplifies the dramatic and theatrical nature of the Baroque. We will also discuss some of the beautiful painting collection, which includes early works by Caravaggio.
The principles of architecture, urban planning, and art discussed in this itinerary cast a wide influence over Rome, so that one may view the whole city with new eyes and have an appreciation for how the Baroque has made a lasting impact.
